Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Skinny Posts is a dual outside receiver post concept run out of Pistol Ace 12 personnel with two inline tight ends staying in to block. Both X and Z receivers release vertically then break in on skinny post angles that split the safeties, while the two underneath receivers run outlet routes to the sideline as checkdown options if the posts are blanketed. This is a man beater designed to attack single high and Cover 3 shells, with the primary read progression going to whichever post clears its corner first based on leverage, then working down to the shallow outlet routes if both posts are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the safeties are aligned deep middle or split, since a single high safety cannot cover both skinny posts and one will come open based on which side he leans. Watch the corners at the snap, if they play with inside leverage the post will win outside, if they sit outside the receiver has to fight for inside positioning at the break point. Post-snap, track any user-controlled safety sprinting to the throwing side, since a lurking free safety in the middle of the field is the biggest threat to both post routes. Check linebacker depth on the shallow outlet routes, as sitting linebackers can jump the underneath sideline throws if the quarterback bails out too early. This play struggles against two high safety shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 since the posts run directly into help, and it is vulnerable to disguised blitzes that get pressure before the post routes fully develop.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, look for single high safety alignment or Cover 3 shells since the skinny posts are designed to split the difference between the safety and the closing corner. Use the hot route menu to convert one of the shallow outlet routes into a deeper crossing route if you diagnose zone coverage sitting underneath. Best called on second and long or third and medium when you need a chunk play but still want an outlet if the posts are jumped. Pair this with PA Deep In or Corner Post in your play-calling sequence since both threaten the same intermediate to deep window and force zone defenders to widen their drops. Against man coverage, motion is limited in this personnel so rely on release quickness at the top of the post stem to create separation before the break.
